Academy product Dan Parkinson is justifying Maidstone’s faith in youngsters.

The 17-year-old is set for an extended run in the side having impressed in two starts since on-loan right-back Richard Rose returned to Whitehawk.

United’s move for a new right-back has stalled, so Parkinson’s form in the back four alongside brother Jack is a bonus.

Stones, fifth in the Ryman League, Premier Division, play Hendon at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday and travel to Wingate & Finchley on Tuesday night.

Boss Jay Saunders said: “We couldn’t reach an agreement with the right-back I was talking to. It’s not dead and buried but Dan deserves a run in the side anyway.

“He came in at a difficult time, with games against Wealdstone and Margate and has been outstanding.

“He’d been getting experience on loan at Leatherhead, who have the best the defence in Ryman South, so we knew he’d been playing well.

“Working at the academy, you can see what a good attitude he has. The only thing with young players is you need to be careful how you use them. I’m not saying a 17-year-old can’t do it week-in, week-out but it’s difficult.”